AIDS ALERT: FEW MANDATORY TESTS

AIDS ALERT: FEW MANDATORY TESTS; HOW OTHER NATIONS APPRROACH THE PROBLEM

Published: June 7, 1987

Even at the seven-nation industrial summit this week AIDS will be on the agenda. In attempting to change both public health practices and private conduct, European governments have begun shaping national policies. Most require reporting of AIDS cases, as in the United States, but not testing. Most have extensive educational campaigns, though they have far fewer cases than the United States. A sampling of measures taken by foreign governments follows. France: Reporting of AIDS cases is mandatory. A few groups, including prisoners and members of the armed services, are tested for the virus in the course of normal medical examinations. A publicity campaign with TV spots and subway posters began in April, and the law has been changed to allow advertising of condoms. West Germany: The Federal Government does not require reporting of AIDS cases or testing of any groups. The state government in Bavaria has begun compulsory testing of prostitutes, prisoners, drug addicts, applicants for jobs in the public sector and most non-European Community nationals applying for residence. Britain: There is no testing or reporting requirement. Leaflets have been mailed to every household in the nation and explicit advertisements appear on television, but two researchers at the Washington conference said the campaign had had ''little impact'' on high-risk groups. Japan: The Government has proposed legislation requiring physicians to report AIDS cases and positive results from antibody tests and giving local authorities power to order exams for suspected virus carriers. Educational programs are carried out by local governments. Sweden: Testing is entirely voluntary now, but in the autumn screening of military recruits and pregnant women will begin. Reporting of positive test results is mandatory, and anyone who knowingly transmits the virus may be isolated against his will in a hospital. Recently the number of those requesting tests has declined. Soviet Union: No AIDS policy has been developed, and publicity is limited to articles in the press. Officials say they plan to require testing of all foreign students.